Locations and Venues

The final farewell of your loved one is an event where whānau and friends come together as a beautiful personal statement to honour the person who has died.

There are so many different options available to you when selecting a location for this final farewell service. There are no laws that state where a service can be held, and because there is often a stigma attached to death and dying, services are usually held in specific venues. Traditionally, in a church or religious venue, a crematorium chapel or at a funeral home, but there are many other options you may want to consider.

Search our directory for Farewell Venues…

Booking a funeral venue

Here are some things you might want to consider when deciding on a location for a funeral service:

What are the legal requirements?

If you are not working with a funeral director, you will need to take legal requirements, cultural beliefs and customs into consideration when choosing a location for a final farewell. While there are no laws about where a service can be held, there are laws regarding transporting the body and burial and cremation. Read more about caring for the body.

Get permission for the service

It is important to ask permission from the owner or management of the venue or property before holding the service, as a courtesy and to make sure the service complies with their regulations.

Accessibility

It’s a good idea to consider access for the coffin or casket (if the body will be present at the ceremony) to be carried in and out, as well as access and seating for the elderly and disabled.

Privacy

Take into consideration how private the venue is to allow people to grieve openly.